I think kids should have pets. but thats my opinion. its up to them, maybe the kids have allergies, like my nephews, so they couldn't have cats or dogs, but had gerbils, and have a snake.(yuk)
I think it's up to each person/family,it doesn't make me mad or anything, I too, feel kind of bad for the kids!
I know someone that is going to get a dog when they can get the certain kind from the breeder, has to be a small, non-shedding dog...and I was thinking oh for goodness sakes, get the kids a big slobberly DOG!! ( not a toy ) LOL